Charity match
scores funds

These football boots certainly were made for walking - as a host of Sheffield celebrities came together to take part in a 12 hour charity fundraiser.

Hillsborough Leisure Centre was the venue for the marathon walking football match which saw more than 50 people come together to raise thousands for St Luke’s Hospice.

The event was organised by former Premier League referee and patron of the charity, Uriah Rennie and has raised more than £3,500 so far.

Some of Sheffield’s biggest names took part, including former head of the Civil Service Sir Bob Kerslake, Glyn Rhodes MBE, former professional boxer Johnny Nelson, recording artist Paul Pashley and Sheffield artist and Everly Pregnant Brothers star Pete McKee.

Other participants included members of the England band, members of the Richmond Rockets, ranging from 75 years of age to as young as ten, and Fran Morley, deputy head of fundraising at St Luke’s Hospice.

Said Uriah: “It was wonderful to see so many people from all disciplines take part in the 12-hour walking football match.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the event, even during the early hours of the morning, and it was great to see people of all ages and abilities taking part and pulling together to raise money.

“I hope the event went some way to raising some vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice as well as raising their profile. It’s a charity which I am proud to support and a very worthy cause.”

Mr Morley said: “We’re extremely grateful to Uri for all his hard work and dedication in organising the event and to SCT for providing us with the perfect venue.”